Hardware stores, others, confront new Facebook

Social media marketers are learning a few new tricks now that Facebook is rolling out a new interface design called “Timeline."

They have to. Consider the following Facebook posting from Milton, Wis.-based Dave’s Ace Hardware about the new Timeline format offered by the social media network:

“I knew it was coming and it’s finally here. The Dave’s Ace Hardware page has been automatically converted to Timeline. What used to be my comfortable and familiar refuge has now been reduced to a foreign and stressful exercise. This is going to take me some time to get used to.”

For small businesses wondering how to make the most of the new format, Seth Lieberman, CEO of Pangea Media, offered several tips.

“Cover and profile photos, tabs and favorite apps, milestones and more must all be considered in order to maximize all that Facebook’s new Timeline layout offers,” Lieberman said.

• It’s not optional;
• Facebook pages look different;
• Private messaging is here; and
• Interaction is more important than ever.

Lieberman added the following general Facebook advice: “News, humor, entertainment and insider insights grab your audience’s attention and motivate them to return for more. Simply pouring out post after post of advertising copy will mean losing fans and readership — people want to be engaged with the material, not spammed."